Students in India have a new reason to celebrate.
Adobe is offering free access to popular tools like Photoshop, Acrobat and Firefly AI — but only for students studying at selected institutions.
The announcement was made during the AI Impact Summit 2026 held in Delhi.
This move puts Adobe alongside tech giants like Google, which are also rolling out special AI-focused plans for students.
What Is Adobe’s Free Student Offer?
Adobe confirmed that Indian students at eligible schools and colleges can use apps like Photoshop, Acrobat and Firefly AI at no cost.
However, this offer is not open to everyone.
It will be rolled out through around 15,000 schools and 500 colleges that will set up dedicated Content Creator Labs.
These labs will give students structured access to Adobe’s creative tools.
This is different from Adobe’s existing student plan, which starts at Rs 400 for the first month and then costs Rs 2,714 per month.
The new free access is part of a broader push to promote AI-powered creativity among students.
How It Compares to Google’s Gemini Offer
Adobe is not alone in targeting students.
Google recently launched a Gemini AI Pro student offer in India.
Unlike Adobe’s plan, Google allows eligible students to sign up directly using their education email ID.
The Gemini student plan is available for those above 18 years of age and includes benefits claimed to be worth over Rs 19,000.
Students get 2TB of cloud storage, access to Flow (an AI filmmaking app), and Gemini integration inside Gmail and Google Docs.
However, this Google offer is available for a limited period.
Why This Matters for Students
The growing focus on AI tools shows how seriously companies are taking the student market.
The Indian government has also shown support for the creator economy.
In Budget 2026, creators and digital ecosystems received special attention and incentives.
With companies like Adobe and Google offering free or discounted AI tools, students now have easier access to professional-grade software.
For aspiring designers, filmmakers, developers and content creators, this could be a major opportunity to build skills without spending thousands of rupees.
The only catch is eligibility — so students will need to check whether their institution is part of these special programs.
